-
July 9th, 2017, 07:51 PM
#851
Yeah... guessing maybe back in the '80s everyone bought 2500s because they were still trucks, but in the '00s people realized half tons carried soccer balls just as well as three quarter tons.
FWIW, moving into the '00s probably alleviates some concerns with the 4L60. They did get improved over time. Might be worth some research? And they and swapping them isn't horrifically expensive - there might be some math to do there .
-
July 9th, 2017, 08:09 PM
#852
mAdminstrator
Thoughts from a poster at rrax that used to run a transmission shop:
If you decide on a 1500 with a 4L60 I recommend the following:
Service the transmission annually, or every 25k miles, whichever comes first. Without exception. Use name brand synthetic fluid.
Add as big a transmission cooler as will fit in the grill ahead of the factory radiator/condenser. The truck will likely have an OE cooler but its not big enough.
Budget for a replacement transmission. When it happens; buy a GM reman (Aaron's Automotive Group is GM's supplier). You can have it installed at most any shop and maintain the warranty but double check when you buy it. The warranty is then valid at any GM dealer.
Most importantly; learn to tow with this transmission. You can tow in OD but you need to learn the shift sequence and torque converter application. Learn how the converter clutch dis-engages and how to tell. Never tow in circumstances that cause the transmission to run in OD with the clutch dis-engaged. That is the fastest way to ruin the transmission. (It will overheat very quickly) Learn to anticipate the converter clutch dis-engagement when you come to hills and downshift to 3rd before the clutch releases and climb the hill in third.
Add an OBDII port transmitter and run the Torque Pro app on your phone to monitor "gear", "TCC Apply" and transmission temperature. With this you can monitor the trans operation and avoid the conditions that result in pre-mature failure.
-
July 9th, 2017, 09:09 PM
#853
Administrator
-
July 9th, 2017, 09:38 PM
#854
That bit about OD w/ TC disengagement is no joke. You can definitely tell when it happens! BadBob gave me the same advice years and years ago and I've always followed it.
I think annual service is excessive for a "sometimes tow" vehicle. With a big cooler and a deep pan (also useful for added case rigidity) you can monitor your transmission temps, they will probably be low. But, you can base your fluid changes on how hot the fluid gets and how long it stays that way. Fluid that stays under 180 degrees will last a really, really long time. As it gets hotter, it breaks down and fails. I think it completely fails at like 240 degrees. GM tends to run their transmissions on the edge (I don't know why) so they don't last. That bit about TC disengagement really heats up the fluid. Take precautions, monitor fluid, probably fine for a good long life. OTOH, they are cheap & cheap to rebuild, so if it's a two grand premium to get the 4L80 and that's the reason to get one, meh, a nice 1500 and a $2k rainy day fund might be ok.
Buuuuuuut if you're not in a hurry, I would totally hold out for a six liter.
-
July 9th, 2017, 09:59 PM
#855
mAdminstrator
Yeah, I mean...I haven't even backed the Miata out of the garage to wash it yet.
-
July 10th, 2017, 08:45 AM
#856
Well, don't.
-
July 22nd, 2017, 01:15 PM
#857
mAdminstrator
-
July 23rd, 2017, 08:50 PM
#858
mAdminstrator
Well, that was quick:
Sold to a guy on the local ST/RS FB group.
-
July 24th, 2017, 05:18 PM
#859
Where are my keys?
-
September 13th, 2017, 10:34 AM
#860
mAdminstrator
Any thoughts on 08+ Expeditions?
The two-piece spark plug deal with the 5.4 was supposedly resolved by a head redesign in late 2007. A few reviews grumble a little bit about a lack of power, but I'm not really planning on drag racing it...
I'm seeing a few trucks like this around: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/ct...292973769.html
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules